MARCH IS NATIONALNUTRITION MONTH as proclaimed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Established in 1973, National Nutrition Month is an annual campaign that invites everyone to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits.
This year’s campaign, themed “Beyond The Table,” addresses the farm-to-fork aspect of nutrition, from food production to distribution, and includes elements such as navigating the grocery stores and, don’t forget, farmers’ markets. “Beyond The Table” describes the various ways we eat—not only around dinner tables, but also on the go, in schools, at restaurants, and at games and other events— and emphasizes sustainability and decreasing food waste.
Other key messages of National Nutrition Month 2024 include:
Stay nourished on any budget The best and most affordable way to eat healthy is to make your own meals at home—and National Nutrition Month offers the perfect excuse to learn those essential cooking, food-preparation, and meal-planning skills. Shopping smart is also vital for anyone with a limited food budget. Always use a grocery list when you head to the grocery store, and stick to it no matter how big or small it may be. Strictly limiting your purchases to items on the list will help you avoid impulse buying and resist those tempting end-cap promotional items.
Folks on an overburdened food budget are also encouraged to explore their eligibility for government nutrition-assistance programs, such as SNAP and WIC, as well as take advantage of community resources such as local food banks.
When preparing your own meals, remember to practice food safety—for example, properly refrigerate/freeze food items, and clean your refrigerator at least once a month, throwing away expired foods.
Eat a variety of foods from all the food groups Heeding this key message helps ensure that no important nutrients will be missing from your diet. Go ahead and experiment with recipes using different ingredients, and eat foods in various forms, including fresh, canned, frozen, and dried. Be sure to include your favorite cultural and traditional foods, but don’t be afraid to spice things up by trying some new foods or global cuisines.
Eat with the environment in mind Whenever possible, make food choices that help protect the environment. For example, get creative with leftovers and ways to reduce food waste, eat more plant-based meals and snacks, and buy foods in season and from local farmers whenever you have a choice. You might even
n consider growing your own produce in a backyard or community garden. If space is limited, start a container garden on a patio, porch, or deck.
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During this year’s National Nutrition Month, try to internalize the message that good nutrition/healthy eating does not have to be restrictive or overwhelming. Small goals and changes can have a cumulative effect, and every little positive change is a big step in the right direction.
How do you plan to celebrate National Nutrition Month this year? Perhaps you could try a new healthful recipe each week, sample a new fruit or vegetable, try a global cuisine you’ve never had before, plan a garden, or clean out your refrigerator and freezer. There are plenty of options to choose from, and you can learn more at eatright.org.
So, enjoy the taste of healthy eating, and remember, the path to wellness often begins on our plates.
Laurie Syring, RDN/LD, is Clinical Nutrition Manager at ProMedica Flower Hospital.
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